Wydad Casablanca end pursuit of Botswana international Tumisang Orebonye

Wydad Casablanca have abandoned efforts to sign Botswana international Tumisang Orebonye, despite advanced negotiations with his current club Al Ittihad of Libya.

The Moroccan giants had been close to finalising terms for the striker, but the deal collapsed after Wydad’s hierarchy opted to shift their focus to another attacking target in Portugal.

The decision comes as the Casablanca club prepare for the imminent departure of Ghanaian forward Samuel Obeng, who is expected to leave before the transfer window closes.

Orebonye, 28, had emerged as a strong candidate to bolster Wydad’s frontline, with talks progressing smoothly in recent weeks.

However, the club’s sudden change in direction has left the former AS FAR striker’s future in Morocco uncertain, although interest in his services remains high.

Several Botola Pro sides have been monitoring the player and could make a move before the end of the summer market.

The forward is no stranger to Moroccan football, having previously enjoyed a spell at AS FAR, where he made 14 league appearances and scored three goals before securing a transfer to Libya.

His switch to Al Ittihad came after the Tripoli-based side triggered his release clause, following his noteworthy performances at Algerian outfit USM Alger.

Despite Wydad’s withdrawal, Orebonye is still considered an attractive option for Moroccan clubs seeking a proven striker with experience in both domestic and continental competitions.

His versatility and physical presence in attack have earned him admirers across North Africa, and a return to Morocco could materialise if rival clubs step up their pursuit.

For Wydad, the decision to walk away from negotiations signals a shift in strategy as they look to reshape their attack.

With Obeng’s departure looming, the club remain determined to secure reinforcements and have already identified an alternative option in the Portuguese league.

The move underlines the urgency within the squad to strengthen ahead of a demanding season both domestically and on the African stage.

Orebonye, meanwhile, faces an important juncture in his career.

While his time in Libya has been steady, a return to the Botola Pro could provide him with greater visibility and the opportunity to re-establish himself in a competitive league.

For now, his future remains undecided, but interest from Morocco ensures he will not be short of suitors.

Wydad’s withdrawal may have closed one door, but it has simultaneously opened opportunities elsewhere, leaving Orebonye’s next step one of the more intriguing stories of the transfer window in North African football.